New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced in November 2024 that drivers entering areas of Manhattan south of New York City’s Central Park will have to pay daytime tolls of $9 (more than VND 228,000). ), according to AFP.
A plan to charge drivers to reduce congestion takes effect in New York City (USA) on January 5.
The plan restores an initial plan that Ms. Hochul suspended in June, saying there were “too many unintended consequences for New Yorkers.” The original plan had a base fee of $15.
The tolling plan aims to reduce congestion and help fund the New York subway system. Ms Hochul said the plan was reinstated after an assessment showed it would be effective with lower fees.
The local MTA transit agency posted a video on social network Instagram showing CEO Janno Lieber unveiling a “congestion relief zone” sign before the system was activated, to cheers of a small audience.
Meanwhile, sheet New York Post criticized the MTA’s “joyful event” that was staged “hours before drivers endured pain.”
Republican lawmakers have called on President-elect Donald Trump to intervene to end the toll plan. Mr. Trump is a New Yorker and has pledged to abolish that plan if elected.
New York City neighborhoods have argued that a fee would hurt their businesses and impair residents’ ability to commute into Manhattan.
Some New York City elected county officials as well as a powerful trade group representing transportation companies have opposed the toll plan.
Taxi driver associations also oppose the plan. Association members will not pay the fees themselves, but affected customers will be charged additional fees.
There are many exemptions to the basic fee, as well as discounts for low-income earners. In addition, there are discounts for drivers who enter the toll area more than 10 times a month.
Similar toll schemes have been in place for years in other major cities including London (UK) and Stockholm (Sweden), but US cities will be closely watching to see how much tolls increase. New York’s impact on both traffic and revenue, according to AFP.
